Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Joachim, Quebec: A Ballet Lover's Dream
Hey there, fellow dance enthusiasts! It's your girl, Chloe, back with another blog post about all things ballet. Today's theme? Tutu Tuesday! Yes, you read that right. Every Tuesday, I take to the streets of Saint-Joachim, Quebec (Canada, of course!) in my finest tutu. Why? Well, because tutus are simply magical, and what better way to spread that magic than to share it with the world.
For those of you who don't know, Saint-Joachim is a small town located about 40 kilometers northeast of Quebec City. The quaint town has become a hot spot for artistic expression. You never know what kind of talented artist you’ll meet walking around town. And guess what? Saint-Joachim is all about embracing those quirks! We have art festivals, community events, and even the occasional open mic night.
But enough about the town. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty – tutus! For today's Tutu Tuesday, I chose a classic **Romantic Tutu.** It's a beautiful ivory creation with layers of tulle and a fitted bodice, so ethereal and graceful. It's my go-to for a touch of romance and whimsy.
I decided to pair the tutu with a classic black cardigan to give the look some Parisian flair. To accentuate my look, I chose bright red ballet flats to create a splash of colour and style. Now I was ready to conquer the day!
First up, I made a quick visit to the **Saint-Joachim bakery** to get a fresh croissant (and a cup of joe – you know how Canadians love their coffee!). As I waltzed through the town square with my coffee, I received more than a few surprised but admiring looks! It's honestly quite heartwarming. A couple of older gentlemen gave me a thumbs up and said "you look beautiful, dear!". And I must confess, a couple of young boys did some hilarious ballerina impersonations. Honestly, I had to hold back laughter. The charm of a small town is truly the best.
Later that day, I met with a group of my fellow ballet dancers at **Les Studios de Danse de Saint-Joachim.** This beautiful dance studio has been a source of creative inspiration and support for all of us in the area. A new generation of ballerinas has arrived, eager to learn and improve. You can always count on Les Studios de Danse to provide a stage for ballet lovers young and old.
As the afternoon progressed, we all went our separate ways, but I still felt the positive energy of the ballet community in the air. My time in Saint-Joachim, in all my tutus, has been wonderful. And you know what? I couldn’t have done it without the power of #Tututuesday!
My Favourite Tutu Styles
As a lover of all things ballet, I couldn't resist putting together a short list of some of my favorite tutu styles. Every one is a timeless classic with its unique qualities and aesthetics:
- **The Romantic Tutu:** It’s a quintessential ballet staple. You can never go wrong with it. This style features several layers of tulle, with a short, layered skirt and a fitted bodice.
- **The Classical Tutu:** A traditional style featuring a bell-shaped, full skirt, supported by a structured wire or horsehair. The skirt has a fitted bodice for a sleek look.
- **The Ballet Tutu:** A simple and elegant tutu style featuring one or two layers of soft tulle with a wide waistband. This style is favoured for more graceful performances like the classical Pas de Deux, where freedom of movement is paramount.
Ballet in Canada: Where to Start
Now that you've fallen head over heels for ballet (hopefully!), you might be wondering where you can begin your own ballet journey. Canada is a true hub of ballet culture. Here's a rundown of great resources to consider:
- **National Ballet of Canada:** Based in Toronto, the National Ballet of Canada is one of the premier ballet companies in North America, with captivating productions. Be sure to catch them when you can. They usually perform in Toronto, but occasionally go on tour.
- **Royal Winnipeg Ballet:** Renowned for its exceptional dancers and innovative choreography. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. You won't regret attending a performance of one of their renowned pieces.
- **Ballet BC:** In Vancouver, BC, the Ballet BC is known for its progressive, forward-thinking approach. They really put on a spectacular show. If you're looking for more experimental ballet pieces, Ballet BC should be on your list.
And lastly, do yourself a favor and search for "Ballet Classes in your City, Province, etc." and discover what gems are hiding in your neighbourhood.
Join The #TutuTuesday Movement
Do you dare to spread the ballet magic on #Tututuesday? Post a photo or video of yourself wearing your tutu (it doesn't even have to be a proper tutu!). Use the hashtag #tututuesday, and we'll all re-post our faves!
Let's embrace ballet and its beautiful tutus every week! See you next Tuesday! Ciao!